The FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) is attracting many with the dream of one day having enough passive income from investments to stop working. It’s an alluring goal. But should Christians pursue early retirement?

While tempting, we must examine our motivations prayerfully. Will it deepen dependence on God or reduce it? Is the aim to indulge ourselves or to honor Him? Could we be content without achieving it?

For some, early retirement frees them for Kingdom purposes. Others are called to give radically, leaving less margin to pursue FIRE aggressively. Seek God’s personal leading.

FIRE often feeds worldly desires for luxury and leisure. But we’re designed to work and find meaning in it. Be wary of idle retirement. Our calling continues regardless of age or bank account size.

Sudden wealth from a business sale or inheritance also requires caution. An initial thrill fades. Without purpose, many wealthy retirees feel dissatisfied and adrift. God’s plans for us don’t end upon retirement.

While financial independence isn’t wrong, pursue it on God’s terms and timeline. Let Him direct your investments and how you ultimately use that freedom. Align your motives with eternity.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guard your heart from finding identity in wealth. Don’t make it an idol but a tool for Gospel impact. Then it will satisfy far more than money can. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, not early retirement. Seek first His Kingdom, not your own comfort.

In Christ,

Stephen H. Hammond

President

AUTHOR BIO

Stephen H. Hammond, president and founder of Christian Values Investing Inc., established the first “fee-only” Biblical responsible investment advisory firms in 1993 to help Christians align investments with their values and better manage finances from a biblical perspective. He graduated from Georgia Southern University with a finance degree and worked in the Investment Banking industry before joining Merrill Lynch in 1988. Stephen is a published author and speaker, a spirit-filled Christian who traces his faith heritage to preacher ancestors. In 2005, he established the nonprofit Covenant Financial Ministries to teach biblical stewardship principles and money management. Stephen has decades of experience in money management and financial planning. and serves with Kingdom Advisors and the National Association of Christian Financial Consultants. He has appeared on radio and television, spoken at churches, and authored books including Mission Possible: An Investment Guide for Christians and The Successful Life Manager. He married Angela in 1990, and has two adult children.